Bengaluru, June 29 -- In a significant ruling on matrimonial maintenance, the Karnataka High Court has held that a husband cannot be compelled to pay maintenance to his wife if she is financially independent, earns more than him and has no other dependants.

The High Court allowed a petition filed by a husband challenging a trial court order directing him to pay monthly maintenance to his estranged wife. Justice Dr Chillakur Sumalatha set aside the lower court's order, observing that maintenance cannot be granted merely on the assumption that a husband is always obligated to financially support his wife.

Wife earns Rs 1 lakh a month

The case pertained to a couple who got married in 2024 but began living separately within a few months of...